Living and working on a New Zealand dairy farm - Settlement Support

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Working outdoors all year Most dairy farms are in the countryside <strong>and</strong> the cows live outside all year. So, whatever the weather is like you will have to work outside all year too. New Zeal<strong>and</strong>’s climate might be quite different to what you are used to. It is seasonal with a distinct summer <strong>and</strong> winter, <strong>and</strong> because we are in the southern hemisphere our summer is between December <strong>and</strong> February <strong>and</strong> our winter is between June <strong>and</strong> August. The weather can be very different in different parts of the country. The northern regions are generally warmer than the southern regions. Temperatures can also depend on whether you are near the mountains (where it tends to be colder) or near the sea (where it tends to be warmer). New Zeal<strong>and</strong> weather can also change very quickly, meaning you need to be prepared for any weather changes when you leave the house in the morning. I found the cold a big shock. In the winter it can be like living in a freezer! 6 | A guide for migrant dairy farm workers
A year on a dairy farm Weather Looking after yourself Work WiNter · June – August Usually the wettest season. It can also be very cold with frost, snow <strong>and</strong> ice. Temperatures normally range from 5-15 °C (41-59 °F) during the day. Cold winds can make it feel much colder. In the middle of winter there are only 9 – 10 hours of sunlight a day. SpriNg · September – November The temperatures start getting warmer <strong>and</strong> the grass starts to grow fast. There is still plenty of rain. Summer · December - February It gets warmer - from 20-30 °C (68-86 °F) in the day. It normally rains less. The sun can be very strong <strong>and</strong> can make your skin burn within l0 minutes. The sun is hottest between 11am <strong>and</strong> 4pm. In mid summer there is 15 - 16 hours of sunlight in the day. AutumN · March – May Temperatures start to get cooler <strong>and</strong> there is plenty of rain. 7 | A guide for migrant dairy farm workers Wear layers of clothing. Wear clothes made out of materials such as wool, polypropylene, <strong>and</strong> waterproof clothing. Don’t wear cotton - once it is wet it stays wet for a long time, making you cold. Wearing a wool hat helps to conserve body heat. Eat warm meals to give you the energy you need. Although the mornings can still be cold, the days can get quite warm. It is best to wear layers of clothing that can be removed as it warms up. The New Zeal<strong>and</strong> sun can burn your skin in 10 minutes so it is very important to wear sunscreen <strong>and</strong> lipbalm (SPF 30+) <strong>and</strong> wear sunglasses <strong>and</strong> a sun hat. Try to wear light clothing that covers your skin. Although the mornings can still be cold, the days can get quite warm. It is best to wear layers of clothing. July – September is calving time. It’s a busy time <strong>and</strong> because it gets cold, looking after the cows <strong>and</strong> their calves is very important. October – December is the time when the cows are giving the most milk. It is also the time when mating <strong>and</strong> artificial breeding (AB) starts, the grass is turned into hay or silage, <strong>and</strong> turnips are planted for the cows to eat later in the season. In summer the milking continues, as do activities such as making hay, caring for the animals, <strong>and</strong> planting crops. April – May is when milking stops (dry-off). A time for repairs to fencing, drainage, irrigation systems, <strong>and</strong> equipment. Trees may be planted.
Page 1 and 2: DOL 11919 JUN 12 A guide for migran
Page 3 and 4: Contents How can this guide help me
Page 5 and 6: What is it like working</st
Page 7: Looking after yourself As well as l
Page 11 and 12: New Zealand employ
Page 13 and 14: make sure you keep yourself safe Yo
Page 15 and 16: Isolation Dairy farms are often a l
Page 17 and 18: How much do things cost in New Zeal
Page 19 and 20: Will your family come too? Immigrat
Page 21 and 22: FARM JARGON Here are some examples
Page 23 and 24: Does everyone work like New Zeal<st
Page 25 and 26: » If you want to live permanently
Page 27 and 28: Settlement Support throughout New Z

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